The Cubs NEED to Make This Trade! | Shota Is BACK!

The Cubs NEED to Make This Trade! | Shota Is BACK!

The Chicago Cubs are showing why they're one of the most dangerous teams in baseball, and Shota Imanaga is a huge reason why! After battling through inconsistency earlier this season, Imanaga is beginning to look like the dominant pitcher Cubs fans fell in love with. Has he officially turned the corner?In today's episode of Chicago Cubs Central, we break down Shota's recent performances, the numbers behind his resurgence, and why his return to form could completely change the Cubs' outlook for the remainder of the season.We also dive into one of the most intriguing names on the trade market: Clay Holmes of the New York Mets. Could Holmes be the missing piece in the Cubs' rotation? We analyze his pitch mix, why his elite ground-ball profile fits perfectly with Craig Counsell's philosophy, and what it might cost Jed Hoyer to bring him to Chicago before the trade deadline.If the Cubs are serious about winning the NL Central and making a deep postseason run, this may be the move that puts them over the top.⚾ Topics Covered:Shota Imanaga's recent turnaroundWhy his success changes the Cubs' playoff outlookIs Clay Holmes the perfect trade target?What Holmes would bring to the Cubs' rotationTrade deadline strategy for Jed HoyerCan the Cubs catch Milwaukee and make a World Series push?If you love Cubs baseball, be sure to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and TURN ON NOTIFICATIONS so you never miss an episode of Chicago Cubs Central!🐻 Join the conversation below:Should the Cubs trade for Clay Holmes, or should Jed Hoyer pursue another starting pitcher before the deadline?#ChicagoCubs #Cubs #MLB #ShotaImanaga #ClayHolmes #MLBTradeDeadline #JedHoyer #CraigCounsell #WrigleyField #Baseball #CubsNation #ChicagoCubsCentral

Cubs MUST Trade for Mason Miller if the Padres Make Him Available!

BREAKING Cubs News! Could the San Diego Padres actually move All-Star closer Mason Miller? If the rumors become reality, the Chicago Cubs should be first in line. In this episode of Chicago Cubs Central, Mike breaks down why Mason Miller could become one of the biggest names on the trade market and why Jed Hoyer should make an aggressive push to bring the flamethrowing closer to the North Side.  In this episode: * Why the Padres could consider trading Mason Miller * What makes Miller one of baseball’s most dominant relievers * How he would instantly transform the Cubs’ bullpen * What a realistic trade package might look like * Is this the move that could put Chicago over the top in the National League? With the Cubs fighting for postseason success, adding an elite, game-changing closer could be the difference between an early exit and a deep October run. Do you think the Cubs should go all-in for Mason Miller? Let us know your trade package in the comments!  Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and TURN ON NOTIFICATIONS so you never miss breaking Cubs news, trade rumors, game recaps, and in-depth analysis right here on Chicago Cubs Central! #ChicagoCubs #Cubs #MasonMiller #MLBTradeRumors #JedHoyer #MLB #Baseball #MLBNews #CubsNation #ChicagoCubsCentral :::

CUBS FANS NEED TO HEAR THIS! Blake Cowell Explains Why Chicago WILL Win the NL Central

Mike Jones is joined by Cubs content creator Blake Cowell for one of the biggest conversations of the season as the Cubs prepare for the stretch run. Despite the ups and downs of the first half, Blake explains why Cubs fans should still have confidence that this team can accomplish its biggest goals in 2026. Is a division title still within reach? Can Chicago finally get past Milwaukee? And what has to change if the Cubs want to become a legitimate postseason threat? In this episode we discuss: 🔥 Why Blake remains extremely optimistic about the Cubs' second-half outlook ⚾ The biggest reasons this team can still make a deep playoff run 📉 Which Cubs players have disappointed the most this season 💪 Who absolutely MUST step up if Chicago wants to reach October 📊 Key storylines to watch after the All-Star break 🏆 Bold predictions for the remainder of the 2026 season If you're a die-hard Cubs fan, this is an episode you don't want to miss! 👇 Let us know in the comments: Can the Cubs win the NL Central? Who needs to step up the most in the second half? 👍 Like the video 🔔 Subscribe to Chicago Cubs Central 📢 Share this episode with every Cubs fan you know! #ChicagoCubs #Cubs #MLB #CubsBaseball #GoCubsGo #NLCentral #BaseballPodcast #ChicagoSports #MLBPodcast #WrigleyField #PeteCrowArmstrong #SeiyaSuzuki #KyleTucker #ShotaImanaga #ChicagoCubsCentral :::

WHO'S THE BIGGEST PROBLEM?! Cubs First Half Report Card Gets HEATED! 🔥

Who's the biggest problem on the 2026 Chicago Cubs? 🤔 On this episode of Chicago Cubs Central, Mike is joined by Set Up Man Ty for an unforgettable midseason discussion as they break down everything from the Cubs' first half of the 2026 season. The Cubs have shown flashes of being one of the National League's best teams—but why are they still chasing the Milwaukee Brewers? Is it the offense? The bullpen? The rotation? Or are bigger issues keeping this team from taking over the NL Central? Mike and Ty don't hold back as they discuss: * ⚾ The biggest problem facing the Cubs * 🔥 Who deserves praise—and who deserves criticism * 📉 Why Milwaukee continues to stay ahead * 💥 What the Cubs MUST do at the trade deadline * 🏆 Can Chicago still win the NL Central? * 👀 Bold predictions for the second half of the 2026 season * 🎯 Expectations for October and beyond If you're a die-hard Cubs fan, this is the midseason conversation you don't want to miss. Join the debate and let us know in the comments: Who do YOU think is the Cubs' biggest problem heading into the second half? 👍 Don't forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and TURN ON NOTIFICATIONS so you never miss another episode of Chicago Cubs Central! #ChicagoCubs #Cubs #ChicagoCubsCentral #MLB #MLB2026 #CubsNation #GoCubsGo #Baseball #NLCentral #MilwaukeeBrewers #MLBTradeDeadline #PeteCrowArmstrong #WrigleyField #CubsTalk #BaseballPodcast

🥇 The TRUTH About the Cubs' First Half... Nobody Saw This Coming

The first half of the season is officially in the books, and it's time to ask the biggest question facing the Chicago Cubs... Are the Cubs built to make a legitimate World Series run in the second half? On this special episode of Chicago Cubs Central, host Mike Jones is joined by Cody Delmendo of 312 Sports Chicago and the Off the Ivy Podcast for an in-depth first-half review that every Cubs fan needs to hear. Together, they break down everything that has defined the Cubs' season so far—the highs, the lows, the biggest surprises, and what must happen if this team is going to play meaningful baseball deep into October. 🔥 In this episode: * Our biggest surprises from the Cubs' first half * The biggest disappointments that have held the team back * Why Nico Hoerner's slow start became a major talking point * Has Alex Bregman finally started to turn things around? * How the Cubs managed to survive a brutal wave of injuries * Does Craig Counsell deserve far more credit than he's receiving? * Which players need to step up after the All-Star break? * Can the Cubs hold off the competition and stay atop the division? * Bold second-half predictions * Playoff expectations and what success really looks like in 2026 The Cubs have dealt with adversity all season long, but they're still in the fight. Was the first half a sign of a championship-caliber team, or are there still too many questions to answer? Mike and Cody give their honest opinions, disagree on several key topics, and explain what Cubs fans should be watching as the second half begins. 👇 We want to hear from YOU! What was your biggest surprise of the first half? Who has been your biggest disappointment? Does Craig Counsell deserve Manager of the Year consideration? How far will the Cubs go this season? Drop your thoughts in the comments! If you enjoy Cubs coverage all season long, hit that LIKE button, SUBSCRIBE to Chicago Cubs Central, and turn on notifications so you never miss another episode. #ChicagoCubs #Cubs #MLB #CraigCounsell #AlexBregman #NicoHoerner #Baseball #CubsNation #MLBTalk #ChicagoSports #CubsCentral #GoCubs #312Sports #OffTheIvy